Stalwart Coat
That your other players want it one is a good sign. Of course if they all want one, that is a bad sign :) The new price at CL3 might balance this out.
*instead is duplicated second sentence, you only need one of them (& then a third 'instead' in the next sentence.) (ack, 'alternately' and 'instead' in the third sentence. :)**second sentence is a bit long. I suggest breaking it into two (1. helps PC shrug off stunned. &2. Converting stunned to daze ....
***Second ability is mechanically sparse. Is this a standard/move/free action? Does the character need to be stunned already to shorten it (my vote)?
I like the idea of something that shortens the duration of a condition. Especially when the condition's duration is random (1d4+1). Go ahead and roll that dice, I shall reduced it with my stalward bands! It's like brier rabbit asking brier fox NOT to through him into the briar patch :) Nice job.
I dinnae know if that word is spelled brier, I remember an apostrophe in it. :)
Follow along if you like -
Prep Plan...
This weekend (06-07 Oct)
Get latest Errata for Core RuleBook, Bestiary 1 and Gamemastery Guide
Ensure my books are updated appropriately.
During the week - refresh on the not so often used rules at my table.
Next weekend (13-14 Oct)
Ditto plan for Bestiary 2 & 3, and the Advanced Players and Races
(20-21 Oct)
Ditto plan for All the Ultimates.
(27-28 Oct)
Now to get back to core Golarion, starting with the Campaign Guide and Gazetteer.
Probably will do a Paizo new products check here as well.
November will be setting heavy plus new material, plus a good hard look at shattered star AP.
Based on last year, the contest should begin in two months. Can't wait.
I'm playing with a couple items whose core idea I like, though last year my actual submission came to me fairly late, after I gave up on the item I'd been considering longest (the ettin crown I posted in this thread) and the mirror of many images I ended up posting in last year's What Was I Thinking? self-reject thread.
That said, the other thing I'd recommend going through -- and I may do this again myself -- are all the previous years' rounds. I ended up making a huge list of various notes -- based on comments from judges and voters -- for each round, which took most of my research time after I submitted for the previous round (I didn't do any work on actual submissions until we had the rules/twist, just tried to come up with general ideas and cull advice from previous competitions).
I'll probably try to go through the entire 2012 critique thread again, and possibly do the same for '11's critique thread, and Sean and Neil's breakdowns that they did this year. Lastly, I think I might try to go through all the previous Top 32 items (which is now at 160 items or so) to make sure I'm not duplicating something ... though I'm fairly certain I'm not.
Aye, reread the top 32 (in reverse order the newest will be the easiest to duplicate by not paying attention, the oldest are 3.5). Only read one or two 'Critique' threads though, it is very repetitive (actually I will just go through and read the posts I marked as favorite :) SKR and Neil's in-depth threads are new and a must, plus the PaizoCon corset/four actual judges threads.
Then I need to go and read some good books, watch some good movies and documentaries. I suffered from lack of inspiration last year, and after hitting submit each of those gave me two or three ideas (most of which you have seen in this thread :)
If you want some neat ideas, I might suggest Warehouse 13. I just watched the most recent episode and thought of something I might throw together as a practice item -- it'll be too much of a ripoff, I think, for potential as an actual submission, but I think it could be a fun item to throw into a campaign.
RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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If you want some neat ideas, I might suggest Warehouse 13.
One of my favorite new shows. I tried to get together a campaign based on the show, but lack of interest thwarted me.
Aye, reread the top 32 (in reverse order the newest will be the easiest to duplicate by not paying attention, the oldest are 3.5). Only read one or two 'Critique' threads though, it is very repetitive (actually I will just go through and read the posts I marked as favorite :) SKR and Neil's in-depth threads are new and a must, plus the PaizoCon corset/four actual judges threads.
Then I need to go and read some good books, watch some good movies and documentaries. I suffered from lack of inspiration last year, and after hitting submit each of those gave me two or three ideas (most of which you have seen in this thread :)
Yeah, this is definitely good advice. If you have a somewhat decent feel for rules and game balance, everything else you need to know is in the threads mentioned above. Most of them are even linked at the start of this thread. You just need to sift through it all enough times to filter out the advice being given over and over.
It probably helps to read the critique threads now, where you aren't too hung up on your own submission and is better able to look at the big picture.
Some great advice I got/figured out last year out of my advice is that you have to remember the meta-contest.
What is listed is "develop a superstar-quality wondrous item", but what the real contest is "show you are creative", while of course keeping within the rules and the wordcount.
Because even a good item that doesn't show off your creative muscles is still only a cool magic item.
Okay, I have done it. I have today submitted an article to Wayfinder, which means... I can now come back here more regularly and join the fun again.
Thanks everyone who helped review and feedback on my submission through PM's, email, etc, you are all stars and you know who you are :)
I was going to ask how that was going :)
congratulations!
Mine gets a review at lunch then gets sent off. :)
hmmm... I think it is time for lunch.
Okay, I have done it. I have today submitted an article to Wayfinder, which means... I can now come back here more regularly and join the fun again.
Thanks everyone who helped review and feedback on my submission through PM's, email, etc, you are all stars and you know who you are :)
Good job, Anthony - hope you make the cut. Sadly, I've been too swamped with work to be able to finish a submission. Next issue, I guess.
I'm in the same boat, Jacob. By the time I knew about it, I was so busy that I didn't have time to work on anything. ;)
Sadly, I've been too swamped with work
Although lots of work is hard, it's a good position to be in under the current climate of recessions.
Here's the kernel of one I didn't submit - I was worried it might be getting too close to being on the gruesome side and not so youngster friendly. I was also concerned about the pricing and whether the price for a 4th level spell might be too much for the benefit provided.
Popping Eye Patch
Aura moderate divination; [b]CL 9th
Slot eyes; Price ? gp; Weight —
Description
This velvet black eye patch is rumored to be gifted by Besmara to her favorite sea faring captains.
Wearing the patch over a good healthy eye allows the covered eye to pop out of its socket into the wearers hands. The wear plays the eye over a wooden knot hole in the structure of any sailing vessel. The eye is absorbed into the wood turning all wood knots ship wide into wooden eyes.
Whilst the wearer of the patch is aboard the chosen ship, they can observe every area of the ship from any knot hole in that area. A favorite device for pirate captains to watch their crew for signs of dissent or mutiny.
Although a wood knot can be attacked, there is no damage to the eye within the wood, it simply manifests elsewhere in another knot.
To watch through the eyes, the patch wearer must be the owner of the eye, they must close their good remaining eye and concentrate, willing the eye to go around the ship, stopping and moving on as willed. They can retrieve their eye at any time by placing the patch over any wood knot on the same ship. The eye hops into the patch and can then be pressed back into it's socket.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, scrying; Cost ? gp
Seems like a neat idea. I'm assuming it's not got all the polish, since you said it was the kernel of the idea, but I think it's already a vast improvement over some of your earlier attempts at items that I saw. Definitely a tight nautical theme -- probably too much so for Superstar, but appropriate for this Wayfinder -- and not too much focus on the mechanics. Good job!
Popping Eye Patch
Nice, I agree with JM and think this is your best yet. I have lots of little things to tweak, but they are mostly words here and there. I'll offer a 'fix' on a sample sentence, but the mechanics and flavor are there. :)
This velvet black eye patch is rumored to be gifted by Besmara to her favorite sea faring captains.*'is' passive voice. 'rumor' is hedging (designer either knows or does not as a designer), 'gifted...' unnecessary backstory. This velvet black eye-patch bears the skull and crossbones of the Sea Banshee Besmara.
Small changes, and maybe a little formulaic after all the items I have done over the last five years... (wtf 5? :( but pay attention to these sort of things throughout the rest for a rewrite and pat yourself on the back :)
BTW: a full ship scyring ability is probably balanced with a 4th level spell. Sure what you will choose for cost.
So I was walking into my house the other day, and on my porch I saw little glistening slug trails. At the end of one of the trails was a slug which had curled itself into a perfect circle. I then thought to myself:
If it were a ring, it would fit on my finger... uh oh.
And thus began my inevitable relapse into RPG Superstar fever.
I'll post my first item here as soon as I'm finished. :p
Oozing Slug Ring
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 4th
Slot ring; Price 20,000 gp; Weight —
Description
This ring resembles a live slug which secretes a thin film of mucous as it wriggles to fit the wearer's finger.
Up to three times per day as a standard action, the wearer may squeeze the ring, causing his body and any worn or held items to ooze a glistening slime for three rounds.
While oozing, the wearer moves at half speed and cannot run or jump, but gains a +5 competence bonus to Climb checks, and may climb smooth walls and ceilings with no difficulty. He also gains a +5 circumstance bonus to CMD against grapples.
The dripping sheets of slime coat any 5' surface onto which the wearer moves. He may similarly coat objects with a standard action, or creatures after a successful grapple attempt. Once coated, spaces, creatures and objects become slippery as per the grease spell for three rounds to creatures and objects other than the wearer and his items.
When the effects end, the slime dries and leaves a thin, flaky white crust which may simply be brushed off of a creature, object, or 5' square as a full-round action.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, grease, touch of slime; Cost 10,000 gp
-----------------------------------
word count: 213 (still plenty of room to elaborate!)
Quick initial impression - the only thing with the slug ring that didnt quite fit for me is the slime is both sticky (climbing) and at the same time slippery (bonus against grapples). It's quite minor but that inconsistency was the first thing I noticed.
If it makes you more sticky, then the grapple bonus should be a penalty which in turn would reduce the price - at 20k, by the time the PC has that sort of disposable cash, they probably have access to spider climbing, flying, etc.
If you changed the bonus to a penalty, and reduced the price to around the disposable income of say a 2nd-3rd level party, then I think it would fill a nice niche.
Nice template use too.
Thanks. :)
Haha, you hit exactly on the one thing I was struggling with! I wasn't sure if I wanted it to be inherently sticky or slippery, so I made it sticky for the wearer and slippery for everyone else. (Maybe the slime is mildly adhesive to itself.) I liked the idea of the wearer climbing a wall to escape and at the same time slicking it to prevent pursuit.
As for pricing... well, I never was very good at that. Like before I just referenced items of a similar level of utility and ballparked it. But you're right about the flying/spider climbing. Something to work on.
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Oozing Slug Ring
Aura both required spells are conjuration
CL touch of slime is CL 7th
Requirements spider climb is a better fit than touch of slime since it grants the ability to climb on the ceiling and comes from the transmutation school. The only thing touch of slime really does for this item is to put slime on another creature, but that coul be easily included under the effect of grease.
The item is very neat and well themed. I just don't think the amount of time the ring can be used warrants the cost. 3 rounds at half speed for 3 times per day is not very useful. The slime trail and greasing up a creature are pretty cool though.
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RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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Champion Voter Season 6, Champion Voter Season 7, Champion Voter Season 8, Champion Voter Season 9
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There is alot of stuff on the PRD to look through. So I use a single keyword to search and use the "+" to narrow the field of results quickly.
When searching for ______
wondrous items: "keyword +slot +requirements"
spells: "keyword +school +component"
monsters: "keyword +CR +XP"
While it is not a perfect, it does speed up my searches.
It's been a while, but I'm back too. Its time to warm the old design muscle back up.
Gloves of Accelerated Arcana [136 words]
Aura moderate enchantment; CL 11th
Slot hands; Price 35,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Description
Woven from mithral threads, these long sheer gloves cause arcane energy to nearly leap from the wearer’s fingers of its own accord. Three times per day, the wearer may cast a spell with a casting time of a swift action (including quickened spells) as an immediate action. The wearer takes a -4 penalty on any concentration checks to cast this spell. Additionally once per day the wearer may cast a spell with a casting time of one standard action or less as an immediate action. After casting this spell, the wearer takes 1d6 points of nonlethal damage per level of the spell cast and is staggered for one round.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, contingency; Cost 17,500 gp
I'm not entirely happy with the name, but the alternative was "Gloves of the Fulminant Dweomer" which is kind of over the top and not quite appropriate. Also I'm not entirely sure that this item is even a good idea, since you have to be really really careful when messing with action economy. When done with care, however, the results can be really cool.
Chris, I agree with most of the other comments. You've got a tightly, cleanly presented item with a strong (yet repulsive) theme. That said, the paradox between sticky and slippery seems a bit odd. I was thinking perhaps get something about constricting in, as slugs are boneless? I think of that more than I think of them as slippery (though it's been a long time since I've picked up a slug).
--
Saint Caleth, you've also got a nice item, with perfect template use and nice writing (though do these gloves not work with divine casting? The "cause arcane energy to nearly leap" made me wonder if it was meant to be restricted). I think the name you chose was definitely better than Fulminant Dweomer. I think it's OK, but I think often of Clark's (IIRC) comment about it being something he'd want to write on a character sheet and it's perhaps a bit long. What about Gloves of Quick Casting? (Though that's actually TOO on the nose -- I think I still like yours better.)
I think you are taking some risks playing with action economy. I was going to say it was probably too powerful, especially for the cost, but you go to some considerable effort to nerf it, which might make it work. The staggered after making the spell an immediate action basically helps you conserve said economy. I'm not sure -- are there many spells that cast as a swift action, or is it only really ones that have been quickened. If the latter, I suppose that further nerfs the spell in a way, since it means the gloves also basically require a feat and a higher level slot (or a metamagic rod).
It's been a while, but I'm back too. Its time to warm the old design muscle back up.
Gloves of Accelerated Arcana
Welcome back. :)
*Cheetah Casting Gloves * Gauntlets of Mercurial Arcana * Gloves of Rapid Spells * Expeditious Fingers * Swift Spell * Gloves of Rushing/Rushing Gloves * Peregrine Mitts * Dashing Dweomers, Gloves :)*Not too many concentration checks if a caster is smart. I might make the check required with the penalty on existing concentration YMMV.
**description left me a little confused. I think it would let your caster be targeted in a dark chamber :)
I think there are a handful of swift action spells, but the vast majority of things being cast as a swift action are quickened spells.
The gloves were definitely conceived as being useful to an arcane spellcaster, but I can't really see any compelling reason to keep divine spellcasters from using them.
Welcome back. :)
*Cheetah Casting Gloves * Gauntlets of Mercurial Arcana * Gloves of Rapid Spells * Expeditious Fingers * Swift Spell * Gloves of Rushing/Rushing Gloves * Peregrine Mitts * Dashing Dweomers, Gloves :)
*Not too many concentration checks if a caster is smart. I might make the check required with the penalty on existing concentration YMMV.
**description left me a little confused. I think it would let your caster be targeted in a dark chamber :)
I do rather like Expeditious Fingers for a name since expeditious is already an established synonym for fast in the game (at least in terms of retreating).
I added the penalty on concentration checks because the most obvious abuse of these gloves is a magus using them to basically spellstrike as an AoO. I don't think that the speeding up of swift actions needs an extra counterbalance because immediate use up your next swift action, preserving action economy already.
Here is another something that I just came up with, and this one is pretty weird. I'm honestly not sure that it is really useful at all. Either that or it is horribly OP for specialist wizards. The only real problem I see is with Thassilonian specialist wizards who cannot ever cast spells from a prohibited school.
Again I'm not sure about the name. I don't even know if "thaumaterlogical" is a real word, or if I am going to suffix hell for creating it.
Thaumaterlogical Reading Frame
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 7th
Slot —; Price 17,000 gp; Weight 3 lbs.
Description
This lacquered and filigreed frame can securely hold one scroll unrolled for reading. Different frames exist for each school of magic. When an arcane scroll containing a single spell is placed in the frame as a full round action which provokes attacks of opportunity, an arcane caster may prepare that spell as though it were in his spellbook. The spell is treated as a spell from the school that the frame is attuned to for all purposes of preparation and casting. Preparing a spell from a scroll in this way expends the scroll as though it had been cast.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, mnemonic enhancer, creator must be a specialist in the appropriate school; Cost 8,500 gp
Oozing Slug Ring
Love the opening image :)
*Forge Ring (not Wondrous )**I agree there is some confusion with climb and grease. If you choose/limit to one consider the compression monster trait (SAK?). Another option might be to make one a one-shot use of the item. Said another way: the climbing works three times a day while the grease works only once and the ring is destroyed when it happens.
***I would not pay 20K for +5 to a skill especially when it slows me. (on average a character will be 7th level before he can even afford it and only if he has no other equipment).
Again the imagery was awesome, nice job :)
Thaumaterlogical Reading Frame
How to help a wizard (magus?) use a spell from a prohibited school? A good idea. :)
*...filigreed frame securely holds... for sentence strength. I might choose some other adjectives also, there are six verb forms in this sentence :)**preparing says the caster must refrain from movement, combat, etc. and be free of distractions. Provoking AoO becomes superflous (sp?) (as does the full round action) for preparing spells.
***I think the destruction of the scroll happens one way or the other & doesn't need to be called out.
Did you mean that a user can prepare the scroll's spell, ie take up one of the daily slots? A wizard can already do this by spending two spell slots. I think, based on the AoO you meant 'use the scroll as if it was on your list'. This seriously threatens the balance the prohibited schools are supposed to provide. That said other mitigating factors could be added (reduced caster level, duration, area or converting a prepared spell, etc. ) to make this work. Nice!
EDIT: thaumaturgic is the adj, but I like yours better :)
That spell frame - it made me think a weird, devious and evil thoughts, and it was this sentence...
"The spell is treated as a spell from the school that the frame is attuned to for all purposes of preparation and casting. "
So, basically I can learn a spell from a prohibited school (say Necromancy) by placing it my "Enchantment" tuned frame and I can then learn it into my wizardly brain as if it was an Enchantment spell....
So, first thing (i.e. all purposes of preparation)
Can I then scribe the "Enchantment" version of "Raise Lesser Demon from the Pits of Hell to Smite thee Dead" into my spell book from that spell that is now learnt in my memory... and then can I learn it again and again from my spell book thereafter as it is the Enchantment version and not the Necromancy version? It doesn't say that I can't do such a thing...
And secondly, (i.e. all purposes of casting)
I use my Enchantment Frame to "learn" the spell "Bash Zombie Brains with Shovel" which I then use in creating a wondrous item - does the wondrous item then give the proper school in it's aura or the learnt one - grin
No, I wouldn't suggest using this item as an excuse for using the wrong school in any entries to the competition - that would be real naughty :P
That "all purposes" might need some fine tuning after all :P
I have a few ideas that I'll be adding later. And then come the critiques.
Wand Transference Thingamajig
Aura faint evocation; CL 7th
Slot -; Price 1,700 gp; Weight 2 lbs.
Description
This small roughly hewn oaken cylinder has two quarter inch holes on the top surface. The ends of the cylinder are rimmed with copper studded with small blue gems. Both holes can accept wands of any size, magically altering the size of wands if necessary. By placing two wands of equal spell level in the cylinder and speaking a command word, half the remaining charges from the first wand, marked by an empty circle, are transferred to the second wand, marked by a non-empty circle. If charges transferred would give the second wand more than 50 charges, excess charges are wasted. A wand re-sized to fit in the cylinder returns to its original size when removed.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, Craft Wand; Cost 850 gp
Naming is not my strong suit and rather than get hung up on it here, I want to work on some other ideas.
Street Magician's Friend
Aura moderate universal; CL 5th
Slot -; Price 1,100 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Description
This small three-page pamphlet is covered in runes and symbols and made from sturdy paper. Each page corresponds to a cantrip on the sorcerer/wizard spell list, chosen at creation. As a full-round action, the bearer may replace and activate a cantrip spell-like ability he possesses with one of the cantrips on the pamphlet. This uses up two uses-per-day as if he activated his original cantrip twice. This item only replaces cantrip spell-like abilities the bearer gained through a class.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Items, mage's lucubration, the three cantrips to be placed in the item; Cost 550 gp
How would others word the requirement at the end? Has any item ever used mage's lucubration as a requirement?
That spell frame - it made me think a weird, devious and evil thoughts, and it was this sentence...
"The spell is treated as a spell from the school that the frame is attuned to for all purposes of preparation and casting. "
So, basically I can learn a spell from a prohibited school (say Necromancy) by placing it my "Enchantment" tuned frame and I can then learn it into my wizardly brain as if it was an Enchantment spell....
So, first thing (i.e. all purposes of preparation)
Can I then scribe the "Enchantment" version of "Raise Lesser Demon from the Pits of Hell to Smite thee Dead" into my spell book from that spell that is now learnt in my memory... and then can I learn it again and again from my spell book thereafter as it is the Enchantment version and not the Necromancy version? It doesn't say that I can't do such a thing...
And secondly, (i.e. all purposes of casting)
I use my Enchantment Frame to "learn" the spell "Bash Zombie Brains with Shovel" which I then use in creating a wondrous item - does the wondrous item then give the proper school in it's aura or the learnt one - grin
No, I wouldn't suggest using this item as an excuse for using the wrong school in any entries to the competition - that would be real naughty :P
That "all purposes" might need some fine tuning after all :P
That is exactly what this item is intended for, specialist wizards.
Your two problematic examples are flawed, because the first is concerned with scribing, not preparation and the second is concerned with item creation, not casting, since you don't actually cast when creating an item
The intent is that the spell can be prepared in one slot by a specialist and that it can benefit from any feats the caster has benefiting a specific school. I will think of some language to add to make it more clear.
Cheapy, just a couple of quick spots on template use for both your items...
The current standard for slot is "none" rather than dash - this came in with the errata, I think 5th printing in paper.
Be careful of the Requirements, I think the Craft are alphabetically sorted in the same way that the spells are, so for example Craft Wand should come before Craft Wondrous Item (that second item added an s by error to the Craft skill).
since you don't actually cast when creating an item
Although it doesn't specifically say whether you cast or not in creation of the item, this passage states that the spells "used" in construction must be either prepared (in your memory) or come from an item providing that spell.
"A spell prerequisite may be provided by a character who has prepared the spell (or who knows the spell, in the case of a sorcerer or bard), or through the use of a spell completion or spell trigger magic item or a spell-like ability that produces the desired spell effect. For each day that passes in the creation process, the creator must expend one spell completion item or one charge from a spell trigger item if either of those objects is used to supply a prerequisite."
So to me, this means that the spells are "consumed" during the creation process, so in terms of creating an item. This is my interpretation of the item creation process where spells are involved.
As such, for my interpretation, I think my question about creating an item from the specially prepared spell version is still worth considering. A simple solution would be a short line like "You cannot create magical items using spells prepared in this way." would fix it.
Everyone has their own interpretation of the rules - I was attempting purely to illustrate to consider meta gamer, power gaming and the potential for arguments/abuse of certain item types. It's very tricky at times.
You're right on the slot and order of the requirements. I recalled some hubbub about it changing, but upon checking UE, they didn't even have that listed, somewhat obviously. So I went with the dash.
And yep, I am pretty sure that you are casting the spells for magic item creation. There's no real general concept of using spellslots other than casting.
Hi Cheapy (and fellow lurkers),
There are a lot more useful links at the start of this thread (first 4 posts) linking prior rounds, advice, etc.
The Wondrous Item Template Dissection mentions it - it may save you much time to go have a look - there's a lot of collated and useful links therein covering much of prior years.
Be warned, this is now a year old and runs the risk of getting out of date with recent errata, but I think is still a good starter for ten.
Still, it's quite useful so far.
since you don't actually cast when creating an item
Although it doesn't specifically say whether you cast or not in creation of the item, this passage states that the spells "used" in construction must be either prepared (in your memory) or come from an item providing that spell.
"A spell prerequisite may be provided by a character who has prepared the spell (or who knows the spell, in the case of a sorcerer or bard), or through the use of a spell completion or spell trigger magic item or a spell-like ability that produces the desired spell effect. For each day that passes in the creation process, the creator must expend one spell completion item or one charge from a spell trigger item if either of those objects is used to supply a prerequisite."
So to me, this means that the spells are "consumed" during the creation process, so in terms of creating an item. This is my interpretation of the item creation process where spells are involved.
As such, for my interpretation, I think my question about creating an item from the specially prepared spell version is still worth considering. A simple solution would be a short line like "You cannot create magical items using spells prepared in this way." would fix it.
Everyone has their own interpretation of the rules - I was attempting purely to illustrate to consider meta gamer, power gaming and the potential for arguments/abuse of certain item types. It's very tricky at times.
Interesting. I have never come across that particular interpretation before. I have always made a distinction between "expended' and "cast", but I will think of some appropriate language to add.
Wand Transference Thingamajig
Again I like the name, despite what grammarians around the globe might say :)
*I think calling out same level spell is important, but I might have gone so far as to call out same type (arcane/divine) or even same school (abjuration, [fire]). It comes across as a little meta-gamey for my taste (but then again so did the Arcane Anvil :) Without this a cure wand could charge fireballs, good catch.**is it two quarter-inch holes or two-quarter inch holes. I know there is a whole for each wand, but I think a spelling error exists here ( 1/4 inch?) I say I think because my grammar-fu does not extend to spelling... :(
***which wand is first? which is drained? Actually this sentence is cumbersome (empty/full circle comes a little late) What did the blue gems have to do with anything (flavor I know but I was hoping they would tell me which wand is which.)
***how long does the transfer take? Standard action (as a wondrous item)? standard action per charge (as a wand), overnight/1day for each 1000 gp? (per old creation feat) are all possible times per the rules.
Overall I think the mechanics need some tweaks to get a 'good enough for a book of magic items' but too meta-game for superstar.
Street Magician's Friend
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Items, mage's lucubration, the three cantrips to be placed in the item; Cost 550 gpHow would others word the requirement at the end? Has any item ever used mage's lucubration as a requirement?
I just realized pearls of power do not have any spells in their creation listed :) but no, never seen ML as a requirement.
* Craft Wondrous Item (singular)
*CL 5th level for a 6th level spell? and one that grants cantrips? too much imho though the cost is probably accurate. Mnemonic enhancer is cheaper, but you might consider imbue with spell ability, though I would be looking at something much lower level.
**Not clear about 'replacing' spell like ability. I think this means burn two of your daily charges to get this cantrip instead of that one, but as written you can trade the original 'detect magic' for prestidigitation, permanently.
***cantrips as a spell like ability are not daily charges, they can only be prepared so many times a day. EDIT: bards, sorcerers sorry got it now.
***'user must know the three cantrips placed in the item', only because it fits other things like 'user must be an elf,' or 'user must have the healing domain,' etc.
This inspired an item for me last night which is a good sign. Nice job :)
Wand Transference ThingamajigAgain I like the name, despite what grammarians around the globe might say :)
*I think calling out same level spell is important, but I might have gone so far as to call out same type (arcane/divine) or even same school (abjuration, [fire]). It comes across as a little meta-gamey for my taste (but then again so did the Arcane Anvil :) Without this a cure wand could charge fireballs, good catch.
**is it two quarter-inch holes or two-quarter inch holes. I know there is a whole for each wand, but I think a spelling error exists here ( 1/4 inch?) I say I think because my grammar-fu does not extend to spelling... :(
***which wand is first? which is drained? Actually this sentence is cumbersome (empty/full circle comes a little late) What did the blue gems have to do with anything (flavor I know but I was hoping they would tell me which wand is which.)
***how long does the transfer take? Standard action (as a wondrous item)? standard action per charge (as a wand), overnight/1day for each 1000 gp? (per old creation feat) are all possible times per the rules.Overall I think the mechanics need some tweaks to get a 'good enough for a book of magic items' but too meta-game for superstar.
Thanks for the help!
Once again, thanks! This helps a lot.
Street Magician's Friend
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Items, mage's lucubration, the three cantrips to be placed in the item; Cost 550 gpHow would others word the requirement at the end? Has any item ever used mage's lucubration as a requirement?
I just realized pearls of power do not have any spells in their creation listed :) but no, never seen ML as a requirement.
* Craft Wondrous Item (singular)
*CL 5th level for a 6th level spell? and one that grants cantrips? too much imho though the cost is probably accurate. Mnemonic enhancer is cheaper, but you might consider imbue with spell ability, though I would be looking at something much lower level.
**Not clear about 'replacing' spell like ability. I think this means burn two of your daily charges to get this cantrip instead of that one, but as written you can trade the original 'detect magic' for prestidigitation, permanently.
***cantrips as a spell like ability are not daily charges, they can only be prepared so many times a day. EDIT: bards, sorcerers sorry got it now.
***'user must know the three cantrips placed in the item', only because it fits other things like 'user must be an elf,' or 'user must have the healing domain,' etc.
This inspired an item for me last night which is a good sign. Nice job :)
Thanks again!
heh just realized I said 'user' you are smarter than me catching that :)
also on the thingamajig, should craft wand be a creation requisite?
Spinestick
Aura moderate necromancy; CL 6th
Slot none; Price 27,000 gp; Weight -- lbs.
Description
This stick of apple wood is segmented to resemble the vertebrate of a hand-sized creature. The spinestick allows an attempt to trade one’s life for another’s. When placed against the spine of a dying creature, the spinestick crackles and pops and connects itself to the creature’s vertebrate like a small handle. Lifting the handle pulls the creature’s spine apart killing the creature and storing death charges into the stick. These charges function as hero points except they do not count against a character’s maximum and can only be used to prevent a character’s death. Whenever a failed a d20 roll results in the death of the user, she may spend one hero point for a reroll, per the Reroll rules of the Advanced Player Guide. If the character dies, she may use two death charges for the Cheat Death. He becomes stable at -5 hit points.
The target creature must have a backbone so vermin, plants, oozes, incorporeal creatures, etc. do not function with the spinestick. The creature must be dying but not yet dead, therefore unconconscious and not stable or bleeding and under 5 hit points (a GM may determine other conditions as appropriate). Ceatures with 5 hit dice give one death charge while creatures with 10 or more hit dice give two death charges. The charges remain in the spinestick for one day per hit die.
The charged spinestick is flexible and can be worn as a bracelet or attached to a worn item such as a belt or cloak. It must be on the user’s person to provide any benefits.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, malediction; Cost 13,500 gp
A really mad moment to prove to the missus that the game isn't all about the killing of beasties :P
This was knocked up in under 10 minutes, so expect it to be very very rough. Grin.
Vermin Trap
Aura faint abjuration; CL 3rd
Slot none; Price 1,000 gp; Weight 5 lbs.
Description
The skeletal ribs of a cat or dog forms a cage like structure. The skull leans back upon ribbed neck bones, the teeth grasping the tip bone of the segmented tail forming a carrying handle. Only the animals limbs are missing.
The device is placed upon the floor, balanced on the rib tips, over some enticement to attract vermin inside. When the target vermin enters the rib cage to get at the morsel inside, the ribs instantly snap closed, interlinking like fingers of two clasping hands around the body of the trapped vermin. The hold is sufficient to capture but not harm the victim.
The vermin is allowed one chance to escape by succeeding a DC 20 Escape Artist check. If the vermin escapes, the ribs reset to the open position, ready for another capture attempt. Stroking the head causes the ribs to open releasing any captured vermin unharmed.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, alarm; Cost 500 gp
This seems technically fine, Anthony, but why not just use a regular trap?
Curaigh:
What's the maximum number of charges this thing can have? What's the action to place it on their spine? What if their spine is on the ground, so they're face up? Does it still work then? If there are an unlimited number of charges it can hold, the character with it would basically never die from a failed d20 roll, and there would be a lot of tracking going on to figure out when the charges dissipate from the item. It would also provide a somewhat delayed way of figuring out the hitdice of a creature, and I know some GMs aren't fans of revealing such information. It's a spell-in-a-can item, but I think you're going for something like Autumnal Leaves of the Last Dryad by Neil Spicer.
This seems technically fine, Anthony, but why not just use a regular trap?
Lol, should we ask that of Grimtooth? :P
It was a bit of fun aimed at keeping my wife happy, we all have to do that sometime :D
I thought you might like to see it was all.
Anthony:
I kind of feel this doesn't have a whole lot of magicalness to it, but I keep finding more things to consider magical. Still, not a good first impression, for whatever reason.
Does the vermin need to make the check right away? Can they wait 4 hours? Why can't they make more checks? The description mentions "target vermin". How do you target it? Are there size limits of the vermin? I doubt I can catch a giant centipede with a cat or dog's skeleton.
Why is it only vermin? What prevents it from working on a small rabbit or cat?